XYplorer is a simple to use file manager which replaces Windows Explorer with several enhanced functions and interface improvements.

Whatsmore, it's completely portable so you can put it on a USB stick and use it wherever you want and whenever you need it. The biggest advantage this program has over Windows Explorer is undoubtabley the Move and Copy dialogues. XYplorer allows you to configure hotkeys to carry out the most common copying and moving operations that you require meaning less mouse movements and faster management of your files and folders. XYplorer also removes the need for multiple folder windows along your taskbar because it employs the use of tabbed file management much in the same way as Firefox does with internet browsing. These tabs are fully customizable too - you can drag them around, rename them, hide them, lock them and much much more. This tabbed feature does give XYplorer a distinct browser style feel especially the featuring of an address bar which accepts not just folders, but also files, URLs, and search terms. This latter function can save hours of time searching through files by allowing you to search directly in XYplorer - without any need to use Windows search tool - simply by placing a "?" between the location and search pattern.

A truly impressive replacement for Windows Explorer - once you've used it you may never go back.

Download XYplorer 7.40.0025b in Softonic

If you're bored of Windows Explorer or would like to experiment with something a little different, then NexusFile may be your answer.

NexusFile is a powerful and fast file manager that allows you to browse through the contents of your hard drive with great ease. The vast majority of its functions can be controlled by keyboard shortcuts, which makes it quicker and more convenient than other programs especially Explorer. The program also includes integrated utilities that let you go beyond just file browsing and exploring such as a file extractor for compressed files in ZIP, RAR and ACE and it also allows you to create ZIP files, rename multiple files and directories simultaneously, add a description to your personal files and directories, and much more. The program features a very intuitive interface also can be customized completely, using colour coding to better distinguish the various elements, changing fonts and so on.

This is a neat little alternative to Explorer although it takes some getting used to but if you invest the time, you might find yourself sticking with it.

Download NexusFile 5.02.3196 in Softonic

Beyond Compare is a powerful time-saving utility for comparing files and folders on your Windows system. Use it to manage source code, keep folders in sync, compare program output, and validate copies of your data.

Beyond Compare can create a snapshot of a live directory structure, and compare it against the live copy at a later date. The utility helps you analyze differences in detail and carefully reconcile them. It commands a wide range of file and text operations, as well as script commands for automating tasks.

Download Beyond Compare 3.0.2 in Softonic

If you're looking for a powerful high-quality video converter, player, editor for MPEG, QuickTime, and iPod clips then MPEG Streamclip may fit the bill.

Not only that, MPEG Streamclip now edits DivX and can even download the latest DivX releases from the DivX corporation. It's clear that MPEG Streamclip is a multi-faceted utility that can be used to do a variety of things from playing most movie formats and then performing simple editing in terms of Cut, Copy, Paste, and Trimming clips (which isn't much but enough for most of us).

Because the editing feature is so limited however, it may make more sense to import the semi-edited files you have and then import them into a DVD authoring application to burn them to disk or another editing program such as Windows Movie Maker.

MPEG Streamclip is an all in one solution to convert MPEG video to multiple formats, from AVI or QuickTime DV up through MPEG-4 and perform basic editing on them.

Download MPEG Streamclip 1.2 in Softonic

PC Tools Disk Suite attempts to cover all possible angles when it comes to hard drive management.

PC Tools Disk Suite offers all in one hard drive management that integrates disk optimization, a cleanup tool, a defrag utility and even a partitioning and backup tool in one well presented and easy to use pack. Like most PC Tools products, the interface is the same as used across the entire line of products and clearly presents the options available to you.

As is to be expected, the cleanup and optimize feature of PC Tools Disk Suite aims to reduce unnecessary files and indicates how much free disk space it's recovered for you at any one time. The defrag tool reorganizes files on your disk and should speed up your system and it supports both FAT and NTFS drives. It's nice that you can select whether to defrag quickly or slowly in PC Tools Disk Suite although the fast defrag doesn't seem to make much difference at all. On the other hand, the long defrag does take a while and you¡'d be best to use it overnight.

The PC Tools Disk Suite Backup feature allows you select which files you want to backup regularly either manually or via scheduler and finally the Partition feature allows you to create, merge, split, resize, delete, copy, and move partitions. However, you'd be highly advised to backup all your data using the total backup option on PC Tools Disk Suite as disk partitions can result in lost or corrupted data very easily if you don't know what you are doing.

PC Tools Disk Suite is an incredibly comprehensive suite that covers all the major areas you need to keep your PC in tip top condition.

Download PC Tools Disk Suite in Softonic

PowerFolder is a program to synchronize folders over the internet or on a local net. It uses peer-to-peer technology to exchange the files. This means you do not need a hosting server. Every client holds a local copy of the folder. It can be used to exchange every type of data for example music, photos, own documents or videos. PowerFolder automatically detects changes and synchronizes.

Download PowerFolder 3.1.1 in Softonic

The worst part of buying a new computer is the fact that you have to backup your stuff in the old PC and move it all to the new one. Luckily there are some software apps that can help you with that.

One of them is FEBE, which stands for Firefox Environment Backup Extension. As it name states, this Firefox add-on lets you create a backup copy of all the important information in your browser (bookmarks, extensions, preferences, themes, cookies and more) and restore it in a different location, all in a very easy way.

With FEBE you can then have a perfectly synchronized copy of Firefox in each one of your computers, be it your desktop and laptop or home and office computers. It's also a great tool to have a backup copy of your browser just in case it crashes or if you want to test new versions without taking any risks. And if you can't be bothered creating a backup copy by yourself, use FEBE's scheduling tool and let the extension take care of it.

FEBE is seamlessly integrated into Firefox interface: open the Tools menu and you'll be able to access the extension's options menu and main functions. The only drawback we could find to the extension is the sounds played by the program when displaying any warning: they're a bit annoying so remember to turn them off in the settings menu.

If you want to have a complete backup copy of all your Firefox data or need to move Firefox settings from one PC to another, this is the tool you're looking for.

Download FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension) 6.0 in Softonic

Power users often find the standard Windows File Explorer too limited and need a more complete file manager to suit their needs. If you're among them look no further because we've got the right app for you.

Q-Dir is a multi-pane file manager for Windows that makes file management more convenient and above all, far more comfortable for you. Having several windows pointing to different locations on your hard drive makes it much easier to move or copy data from one folder to another, and also makes browsing faster. Q-Dir supports different layouts with 2, 3 o 4 panes and each one of them can be configured separately.

The program doesn't really add any extra function to the ones already featured in Windows Explorer, but there's one special feature I did like: the possibility to show files in different colors according to the file type, such as blue for images, red for music and so on. Plus, this color code is totally customizable.

Q-Dir doesn't require installation and can even been run from a USB stick.

Though it doesn't feature any special tool, Q-Dir is still a more complete file manager with multiple panes and customizable color codes for file types.

Download Q-Dir 3.27 in Softonic

Though your iPhone or iPod can be synchronized with iTunes, you can have problems if you try to use it with more than one copy of iTunes or on more than one computer. TuneAid helps you easily solve that issue.

TuneAid connects to your device and displays its content (namely music and video) organized in a similar way to that of iTunes: a list of audio and video files you can sort by artist, song, album and more. You can then select certain songs (or simply all of them) and copy them straight away from TuneAid to your computer.

TuneAid can copy the content to any folder on your hard drive or directly to your iTunes library. It comes really handy not only to transfer songs from one computer to another, but also as a backup copy.

Just make sure your device is not protected by an access code: my iPhone was and it took me ages to figure out why TuneAid wasn't detecting it.

With TuneAid you can easily copy and transfer the content of your iPhone or iPod between different computers.

Download TuneAid 3.03 in Softonic

Few can dispute the fact that Apple created a flawless product when it built the iPod. However, the company did omit to include one feature that still bothers me. The legally-aware developer made it so that you couldn't copy tunes from your iPod onto another computer. OK, so it means everything is above board, but it also means that if you get a new computer or your hard drive fails, you have to build up your MP3 collection all over again. Luckily, there are now several programs available that let you copy your iPod tunes to any machine, and CopyTrans is a good example of one of these.

The process of synchronising your music with CopyTrans is a simple one and you can choose to archive your collection or import it into a new iTunes library. All you need to do is connect your iPod, wait for the program to scan the device, choose your transfer settings then wait for CopyTrans to work its magic.

It does take quite a long time to copy across the music, but the operation works very well and I experienced no problems other than that it didn't reproduce all of the album art I had. The program boasts some nice features such as selective transfers, incremental back-ups, and repair to damaged iPod databases.

If you're scared of losing all your iPod data then install CopyTrans and erase your worries with ease.

Download CopyTrans 2.37 in Softonic

I can picture you right now, sitting in front of the computer, without anything else to do... Would you like to play a game? Then take a look at 80 in 1 Best Flash Games and choose the one you like best.

80 in 1 Best Flash Games is a gorgeous collection of Flash games, all accessible from one single interface. They are classified into several different categories to cover all genres and suit all ages: from casino games to kids games, including sports, arcade, racing, action and a lot more.

80 in 1 Best Flash Games is very easy to use and you don't even have to install it. Simply copy the file to your hard drive and you're good to go.

Categories in 80 in 1 Best Flash Games are a bit uncomfortable to browse, but fortunately you can bookmark your favorite games so that they're easier to reach.

80 in 1 Best Flash Games is a complete and varied collection of Flash games, perfect for a short break while working with the PC.

Download 80 in 1 Best Flash Games 1.0 in Softonic

ID-sized photos tend to be something that you never have enough of and, given that it can be a pain to go to the closest mall and get some new ones taken, you could just take a recent photo and make multiple copies of it from the comfort of your PC. IDPhotoStudio is a program that will create and print passport sized photos for you in a snap.

Featuring only the bare necessities, IDPhotoStudio, will handle the job in seconds, allowing you to drag and drop your picture onto the interface. You can then select between three ID Photo sizes: US, Canada or France. Because you often need a certain number of photos printed out, IDPhotoStudio has a little drag meter to let you select how many photos you’ll need, from 1 to 15. Click on the print button to get the paper copies of your photo.

IDPhotoStudio is an original idea, and it’s good to see someone come up with a program to quickly print out ID photos. However, the application left us disappointed for a number of reasons. First of all, it doesn’t respect the aspect ratio of photos, so if you drag a large image there’s a risk it’ll appear distorted. Also, when it comes to editing functions, IDPhotoStudio only includes the option to apply sepia or monochrome color filters. We would have preferred if it included tools like a red-eye remover, cropping or contrasting, which are much more useful for improving the quality of pictures. The program doesn't even include an undo feature, meaning that if you accidentally set your image to greyscale when you'd prefer it in color, you'll need to start over.

If you have a good mug shot of yourself and want to quickly print out a set of passport sized photos, IDPhotoStudio will probably suit you. However, the lack of advanced editing features means you’ll never really be guaranteed with a high quality image of yourself. In all, if you want to be on the safe side, use a proper photo editing application like Photoshop or Photofiltre to edit and print good ID sized photos.

Download IDPhotoStudio 2.4.0.16 in Softonic

freeCommander is an easy-to-use alternative to the standard windows file manager. The program helps you with daily work in Windows. Here you can find all the necessary functions to manage your data stock.

You can take freeCommander anywhere - just copy the installation directory on a CD, USB-Stick or even a floppy disk - and you can even work with this program on a foreign computer.

This is what freeCommander has to offer:

• Dual-panel technology - horizontal and vertical
• Optional tree view for each panel
• Built in file viewer to view files in hex, binary, text or image format
• File viewer inside archives too
• Built in archive handling: ZIP (read, write), CAB (read, write), RAR (read)
• Nested archive handling
• Easy access to system folders, control panel, desktop and start menu
• Copy, move, delete, rename files and folders
• Wipe files
• Create and verify MD5 checksums
• File splitting
• File properties and context menu
• Calculation of folder size
• Folder comparison / synchronization
• Modification of file date and attributes
• Folder / program favorites
• File searching (inside archive too)
• File filters for display
• User defined columns for detailed view

Download freeCommander 2008.06a in Softonic

Many Windows users stay with the standard applications included in the operating system for their most common tasks, like managing files with the integrated File Explorer. However, there are alternative file managers that can also help you to do the job – and sometimes even better than Windows Explorer! Total Commander is one of them.

First of all, be warned that Total Commander is intended for medium to advanced users, and especially for those who like working mainly via keyboard shortcuts. It's not that Total Commander can't be used with your mouse; it's just that it's optimized to be keyboard-controlled.

Total Commander doesn't have what we could describe as an eye-catching design. In fact, it looks pretty dull. It does, however, support three possible views (Full, Brief and Tree) and also uses a double-pane interface, which seem to be quite a common characteristic among other alternative file managers.

This double pane allows you to perform file management tasks like moving and copying in a much more comfortable way. But Total Commander has other aces up its sleeve. It includes extra integrated applications like an FTP client, a ZIP viewer, a renaming tool, a disk space analyzer and a file synchronizer. Another great tool I found to be especially interesting is one that allows you to control, manage and edit file associations so they're not suddenly messed up by a program that you just installed.

Like we said before, Total Commander is intended to be used mainly with your keyboard. This is why it offers handy shortcuts for common tasks like viewing, editing, copying, moving or deleting files. But if you find it hard to abandon your mouse, don't worry: you can use the icons on the program's toolbar as shortcuts for Notepad, Wordpad and the Control Panel, and also add your own shortcuts to your favorite applications via the Configuration > Button bar menu. In fact, Total Commander has such an exhaustive configuration menu that you'll be able to tweak every single detail of the program.

In all, Total Commander is an excellent application that could almost be described as a professional file manager for the advanced user. If you prefer more simple apps then you’d better stick to Windows Explorer.

Download Total Commander 7.04 in Softonic

Are you worried about the security of the data you store on your PC? If so, start using Syncplicity and you'll always have a synchronized backup copy to hand.

Syncplicity is an online free storage service which includes a 2 GB virtual hard drive where you can keep a copy of all your important files (with a maximum size of 300 MB each, that is). This copy is updated in real time, meaning that if you change the contents of the folder on your local PC, these changes will be immediately synced with the Syncplicity virtual drive.

What I liked most about Syncplicity was its ease of use. The program can be configured in a couple of minutes, just by following the step-by-step wizard that runs the first time you launch it. Plus, you can set up Syncplicity to use with Facebook, Scribd and Google Docs.

On the downside, I missed having a built-in file manager, and therefore being able to check my synced files without having to open the web browser. Also, I found Syncplicity quite slow: it took me about an hour to sync a hundred photos, and my connection is not precisely a slow one. Oh well, I guess the trick is to leave the program working in the background and move on to something else.

If you're worried about the security of your files, keep them backed up and synced in real time with Syncplicity, an online storage tool with 2 GB of free space.

Download Syncplicity 2.0.3114 Beta in Softonic

Windows Explorer is certainly not the best file manager out there but fortunately you can make up for its limitations with plug-ins like StExBar.

StExBar adds a new toolbar to Explorer's windows with direct access to some convenient functions in Windows file manager, as well as to other new functions that the plug-in itself adds.

Some of the standard Explorer functions included in StExBar are the ability to rename files, create new folders, open a terminal or show system files; StExBar just makes it easier by enabling you to access them right on the spot.

But probably the best thing about StExBar is the new functions it adds to Explorer, like being able to copy any folder's or file's name to the Clipboard, as well as allowing you to add more customizable commands to the toolbar.

StExBar adds a new toolbar to Windows Explorer with direct access to some of its functions, plus new handy tools and the possibility to add your own.

Download StExBar 1.5.1 in Softonic

If you have a large collection of wallpapers but can't be bothered to change it, Craig's Random Wallpaper Changer is the tool you need.

Craig's Random Wallpaper Changer has no complicated options or configuration settings. In fact, it doesn't even have a graphical interface. To use it, all you have to do is copy the Craig's Random Wallpaper Changer EXE file into your photo directory and double click on it. The desktop wallpaper will be immediately updated with one of the images in that folder.

Having no configuration menu, you'll be wondering how you can set Craig's Random Wallpaper Changer to run automatically and change the wallpaper every time you start Windows. In that case, simply create a shortcut to the EXE file and place it in the Startup menu and you'll get a new paper every time Windows launches.

Craig's Random Wallpaper Changer is probably the easiest way to load a new wallpaper automatically, though in my opinion it lacks some basic functions like the possibility to schedule wallpaper changing according to a certain period of time.

If you're searching for a dead simple wallpaper changing tool, look no further: Craig's Random Wallpaper Changer is your app.

Download Craig's Random Wallpaper Changer 1.0.0 in Softonic

The threat of website design theft is of significant concern to many website developers. Whilst copyright laws help to protect a work, they are often difficult to enforce, particularly when the dispute involves individuals in different countries. PageLock provides added physical protection by acting as a deterrent for possible offenders.

PageLock encodes HTML (the code used to design webpages) in a way that makes it difficult to make unauthorised copies whilst still allowing the resulting webpage to be displayed in a JavaScript compatible web browser without disruption to the webpage's design. PageLock also provides options for preventing text from being selected or the right mouse button being clicked in the body of the webpage.

As is the case with any copy protection technology, it is impossible to be absolutely certain that the encoding used won't be cracked. The same applies to webpages protected by PageLock. When you encode your webpages using the program, you can be assured that your page is encoded in a way that makes it more difficult for others to copy. The protection is intended to act as a deterrent for opportunistic copying of your site's design.

Download PageLock 7.2.1 in Softonic

The Cheetah DVD Burner provides an easy-to-use interface for burning DVDs. The application boasts a number of handy features to make the process of burning CDs even quicker and easier. You can carry out the following projects:

• Burn a Video DVD from an ISO, Bin/Cue, or Video_TS folder
• Backup your data on 8.5 GB DVD+R discs
• Backup your data on DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RAM
• Burn a standard CD or CD-RW
• Creates Red Book compatible audio CDs from mp3, mp2, avi, ogg, wma, and wav files
• Extract audio from an Audio CD
• Copy a Data CD
• Copy an audio disc
• Burn Bin/Cue image files
• Builds ISO Images from selected files for burning at a later date
• Convert audio files from mp3, mp2, avi, ogg, wma, and wav files
• Erase CD/DVD discs

It has the following features:

Features:

• The Cheetah DVD Burner passes the Video DVD Verifier tests and Mastering Applications like the most known Philips Video DVD Verifier
• Create Bootable CD/DVD from .img files
• Supports use of high write speeds - Designed for high data rates
• Support for hardware buffer underrun protection systems, like BURNproof, JustLink, Power-Burn, SafeBurn, SeamlessLink etc
• Burn Multi-Session Data CD/DVD with all types of media
• No further writing is possible after the disc is burned
• Performs a binary compare with the source files
• Burn Joliet directories with 64 char file names

Download Cheetah DVD Burner 2.33 in Softonic

WavePad is a full featured professional sound editor for Windows. It lets you make and edit voice and other audio recordings. When editing audio files you can cut, copy and paste parts of recordings and, if required, add effects like echo, amplification and noise reduction. WavePad works as a wav editor or mp3 editor but it also supports a number of other file formats including vox, gsm, real audio, au, aif, flac, ogg and more.

The program is designed to be a very easy and intuitive to use for audio editing. Within minutes you will be able to open or record a file and edit it. But if you take time to explore the other features you will find many powerful tools for editing audio designed with the professional sound engineer in mind.

Key features:

• Supports a number of file formats including wav (multiple codecs), mp3, vox, gsm, real audio, au, aif, flac, ogg and many more
• Sound editing functions include cut, copy, caste, delete, insert, silence, autotrim and much more
• Audio effects include, amplify, normalize, equaliser, envelope, reverb, echo, reverse, sample rate conversion and more
• Tools include spectral analysis (FFT) and speech synthesis
• Audio restoration features including noise reduction and click pop removal
• Supports sample rates from 6000 to 96000Hz, stereo or mono, 8, 16, 24 or 32 bits
• Ability to work with multiple files at the same time in seperate screens
• Includes its own CD ripper with 'ultrafast 'rip mode and cddb music database lookup
• Links directly to the Express Burn CD Recorder to burn your sound files to CD.
• Recorder supports autotrim and voice activated recording

Download WavePad 3.12 in Softonic